Bill: HB 681, 85(R) - 2017
Committee
House Criminal Jurisprudence
2nd Chamber Committee
Senate Criminal Justice
Vote Recommendation
| Vote Recommendation |
Economic Freedom |
Property Rights |
Personal Responsibility |
Limited Government |
Individual Liberty |
| Yes |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Neutral |
Positive |
Positive |
Author(s)
Gene Wu
Sponsor(s)
Judith Zaffirini
Bill Caption
Relating to restricting access to certain information that relates to a person convicted of or granted a dismissal after deferral of disposition for a fine-only misdemeanor offense.
Fiscal Notes
No significant fiscal implication to the State is anticipated.
Bill Analysis
This bill would impact individuals who have been convicted of an offense that is punishable by a fine only. If it passes, after the fifth anniversary of the date of final conviction all records and files that relate to the person’s conviction would be confidential and not disclosed to the public. This change would also apply to individuals who had their charges dismissed after a deferral of disposition. The information would not be available to the public; however certain state officials, the defendant and the defendant’s council, and in some cases insurance companies might be eligible to inspect these records.
Vote Recommendation Notes
This bill would help people who have been convicted of certain fine-only misdemeanors to move on with their life after fulfilling the terms of their punishment. HB 670 upholds our liberty principle of limited government by allowing courts to make certain records confidential and not disclosed to the public so that those affected may live productive and fulfilling lives.
Organizations Supporting
Assoc. of Substance Abuse Programs
Christian Life Commission
Mental Health America of Texas
Texas Appleseed
